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6d ago

U.S. Proposes 10%–12.5% Tariffs on Imports From 60 Countries Over Forced‑Labour Findings

The USTR is using Section 301 findings to target partners it says failed to block forced‑labour goods with a public comment period set before any final duties.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer arrives for the G7 trade meeting in Paris, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, Pool)
FILE - Goods imported from Brazil are displayed at Amazonia Brasil, a Brazilian goods store, in Newark, N.J., Aug. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
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Overview

  • The U.S. Trade Representative published a proposal this week that would add either a 10% or 12.5% duty to imports from 60 economies after finding they did not adequately prohibit goods made with forced labour.
  • The plan uses a two‑tier structure explained by the USTR: 10% for economies with some legal prohibitions or commitments and 12.5% for others, with India and China placed in the higher 12.5% group.
  • The proposal includes carve‑outs for energy, certain metals, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and aircraft parts and a textile mechanism that would allow limited volumes of apparel and textiles to enter at reduced rates.
  • The USTR opened a public comment period and set hearings as part of the formal Section 301 process with written comments due July 6 and a public hearing on July 7 while a temporary 10% tariff is scheduled to expire on July 24.
  • The move follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that undercut earlier emergency tariffs and raises immediate pressure on bilateral talks such as U.S.‑India trade negotiations because affected exporters face higher costs if carve‑outs are not secured.